Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2009-2010 (archived)

Module BUSI52915: BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION THROUGH INFORMATION SYSTEMS (FT)

Department: Economics, Finance and Business (Business)

BUSI52915: BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION THROUGH INFORMATION SYSTEMS (FT)

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2009/10 Module Cap
Tied to N1K607
Tied to N1K807
Tied to N1K507
Tied to N1K307

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To provide an introduction to a benefit driven framework for Information Systems strategy to enable business transformation.
  • To equip business managers to play an effective role in enabling their organisations to succeed in realising the strategic potential of Information Systems.

Content

  • A framework for IS and business transformation strategy: understanding opportunities for value.
  • Creating value for stakeholders: using a range of perspectives including business processes to understand the opportunities for value.
  • Exploring the opportunities created by IT innovation.
  • Achieving business transformation through portfolio management.
  • A benefits-driven approach to delivering value from information systems through business transformation.
  • Realising value in specific business scenarios.
  • Management frameworks for succeeding with business transformation through IS.
  • Building the organisational capability to succeed with business transformation.
  • Becoming leaders of transformation.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of the module, students should:
  • have a critical appreciation of the sources of value provided by IS and illustrate the business opportunities provided by major trends in IS/IT.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • By the end of the module, students should:
  • be able to articulate a framework for business transformation and IS strategy;
  • be able to apply a range of specialised techniques for identifying opportunities for IS-enabled business transformation that would contribute value to an organisation;
  • be able to critically evaluate and set priorities for investments in business transformation and IS;
  • be able to design a process for developing and implementing a business transformation strategy;
  • be able to debate a strategic perspective on management of the business transformation and IS investment portfolio;
  • be able to debate factors in building the business transformation capability of the organisation.
Key Skills:
    Written communication; planning, organising and time management; problem solving and analysis; using initiative; computer literacy.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Learning outcomes will be met through a combination of lectures, groupwork, case studies and discussion, supported by guided reading. The written work for the assessment will test students' understanding of relevant concepts and their ability to apply and interpret what they have learned to the analysis of a particular issue in depth.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 9 weekly 2 hours 18
Seminars 4 fortnightly 1 hour 4
Preparation and Reading 128
Total 150

Summative Assessment

Component: Written Assignment Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Business report 3,000 words (maximum) 100%

Formative Assessment:

Students receive feedback on their seminar contributions.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University